Ligue 1 Match Preview: AS Monaco vs. Guingamp

Monaco made it six Ligue 1 wins in a row with a massive 1-4 victory over strugglers Ajaccio. The next two weeks would still be dominated by PSG but Monaco’s hope for the table’s summit is still intact. There is only very little possibility that this feat will be achieved, but a possibility nevertheless. Dimitar Berbatov delivered a brace, one of which was equalized by Tallo before Kondogbia and Ocampos rounded the triumph up.

Guingamp, meanwhile, scored a clean sheet against Valenciennes to strengthen their survival hopes and end the latter’s stay in the French top-flight league. Claudio Beauvue scored the fixture’s only goal just one minute past the first hour to lift them four points or two places clear of the relegation zone. With the success, the side can now devote deeper attention on their Coupe de France final next week against Rennes.

The last time these squads battled out resulted in Guingamp winning the brawl on extra time. However, four matches backwards and Monaco have the complete control of the scoring. Of their five most recent matches, Les Rouges et Blancs netted a total of eight goals while EAG only scored six.

Claudio Ranieri’s men are notable for their superb skills on creating chances and attacking set pieces. They are also well-disciplined when it comes to direct free kicks and possession. The Jocelyn Gourvennec side, by comparison, are good in the air and in protecting the lead. However, they are quite under-skilled in terms of conversion, foul avoidance, and in shunning the offside.